Dr Tony Rao, co-chairman of the older people's substance misuse working group at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said the fingings were a “wake-up call”.

He said: "These figures show that alcohol abuse is not a 'young person problem'.

"It's very concerning that while the rest of the population, including younger people, reduces its alcohol intake, baby boomers are drinking at a similar rate as before - and exceeding recommended guidelines.

"People expect to live longer, so they aren't slowing down just because they're in their 60s.”